Synthetic Drugs

This easy to read fact sheet gives the facts on synthetic drugs – the effects on your body and life, the harm the can cause, driving, the law (in NSW) and telephone numbers for services in every state in Australia.

Synthetic drugs are products containing chemical substances artificially developed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine.

They come in the form of powders, pills and dried herbs that have been soaked in synthetic chemicals. They are often sold online and through adult stores and tobacconists. These drugs are often promoted or sold as if they are harmless and are called names like herbal highs, party pills, herbal ecstasy or bath salts.

Many new psychoactive substances are illegal because of the potential risk of harm they pose.